Ministry of health: the death of a Tunisian citizen returning from the Gulf with coronavirus Mon 20 May 2013

In a communique issued today, [20 May 2013], the Ministry of Health
announced the death of a Tunisian citizen returning from the Gulf with
coronavirus. This individual was 66 years old and had diabetes, he was
treated in the Fatima Bourguiba Hospital in Monastir for acute
respiratory insufficiency [SARI - severe acute respiratory illness] upon
his return from a trip to holy sites [?in Saudi Arabia] and Qatar where
one of his sons lives. Medical evaluation of his family revealed 2 of
his sons had symptoms [consistent with an influenza-like illness].
Testing confirmed infection and they have completely recovered [the
translation here is not clear as to whether they were laboratory
confirmed infections - Mod.MPP]. The ministry is continuing to monitor
all family members of this case, but thus far they are not showing signs
of infection with this virus. It should be noted that the ministry is
continuing heightened surveillance for coronavirus in all parts of the
country. Recommendations to prevent the spread of this disease are to
avoid contact with individuals returning from the Middle East with
respiratory symptoms, urging such individuals to use protective masks
and be diligent about hand washing, [especially after sneezing,
coughing, or touching respiratory tract secretions.]

--Communicated by:ProMED-mail<promed@promedmail.org>

[The
case above represents the 1st reported case of a returning traveler to
Tunisia. From the newswire above, prior to onset of illness the affected
case had traveled to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, both countries that have
reported cases of MERS-CoV. Information on the dates and locations of
travel within each country (Saudi Arabia and Qatar), date of onset of
respiratory symptoms, clarification of possible contact cases or
secondary cases in patient's sons, and other relevant information from
the epidemiologic and laboratory studies would be greatly appreciated.